Due to a lack of faculty in the Music subject of Bangalore University, fewer students are taking admission.
Bangalore: The number of students enrolling in the Music course of the Masters in Performing Arts (MPA) has dipped in Bangalore University. Only nine students are registered in the batch of 2022-23.
The music course is under the Department of Performing Arts in the university. According to the data provided by the Department of Performing Arts, the University provides 26 seats for the music course. In 2020—21, 11 students enrolled and 2021—2022 saw a dozen students.,.
Fewer takers for courses in the Department of Performing Arts.
Dr. R. Ramakrishnaiah, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Performing Arts, Bangalore University said, “We keep requesting the government to appoint more permanent teachers. But they said that they have a lack of fund. The government refused to reply to our request about placements as well. Students are taking the course as an interest, not as a profession.”
Dr. Susheela, Head of the Department (HOD) of Music, Bangalore University, said, “We only have two permanent faculty and six other guest faculty. We are requesting for more permanent faculty from the government.”
She added that students dropped out of the course due to various personal reasons. “For the first year Post Graduate (PG) course, 12 students took admission. But now we are left with only five. For the second year of the PG course nine students are left, out of 13 admissions.”
Dr. Shivanna, Assistant Professor of the Department of Performing Arts from Bangalore University said, “Government opportunity is less in this field and we are demanding for more teachers in our department.
The students, too, are unhappy with the lack of permanent faculty. Bhavani, a music student, said “It will be helpful, if we have more permanent faculty. Guest faculty cover most of the portions, they give us notes to study for our examination. We have morning classes and but no classes in afternoon.”
She added that people don’t know the value and effect of this course “In this field, we need a lot of skills,” she said.
Ramya, another music student, said, “We have guest faculty but the university doesn’t provide us any campus placement.”
Thanuja, a dance student in the department said, “I respect art and it’s my passion, but in this field, you have to work hard with a lot of patience to achieve success. The university is not providing any placement, which they should provide.”
Music in NEP
Shivanna said that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 could help promote this field since there is an emphasis on music, drama and dance. “Few people are aware that those who want to take this PG course they must take an additional subject of music, drama and dance in their UG,” he explained.
Inside the Department of Performing Arts, where students practice for stage shows.
Vinod Kumar Singh from Dolce Music Academy, said, “Music is not a hobby it’s a form of education which requires time and dedication to succeed in it and make money in this field. Parents usually don’t encourage students to choose music over other degrees.”
According to the norms and guidelines of Bangalore University in each post graduate course, there must be six full-time faculties.
Arts in society
Dr. Susheela said that music is important to lead a happy life. It works as therapy and a lot of people are coming out of depression and stress through the help of music. Research shows that it helps people lead a happy life. It also ensures good sleep, she said, pointing out that the raga Nilaambari is used for peaceful sleep.
Dr. Prabhu Roy, a Ph.D scholar from Bangalore University said, “Through music, dance and drama we can promote and support our cultural richness and educate people about our Indian culture and history.”
